Antony Townsend has been appointed by the regulators to take up the roll of the new complaints commissioner after Sir Anthony Holland’s reign comes to an end on 30 April.
The commissioner is responsible for the conduct of the final stage of investigations into complaints in connection with how the Financial Conduct Authority and the Bank of England exercise, or fail to exercise, their relevant functions.
The role is independent from these organisations, the FCA said.
Prior to his appointment as complaints commissioner Mr Townsend was the first chief executive of the Solicitors Regulation Authority, and is currently chair of the UK and Ireland regulatory board of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors.
The term of office of the current commissioner, Sir Anthony comes to an end on the 30 April and Mr Townsend will take up his new role on 1 May.
Andrew Bailey, deputy governor of the Bank of England for prudential regulation, said: “Independent challenge and scrutiny is crucially important for the health of the regulatory system.
“We are pleased that Antony has been appointed as complaints commissioner and value the impartial judgement he will bring to the role.”
Mr Townsend said: “I’m delighted to be taking up this role. It is essential that people can have confidence in how the regulation of financial services is undertaken.
“I want to continue the work of Sir Anthony Holland in ensuring and demonstrating that serious complaints are fully investigated and a fair outcome achieved.”
